Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi criticizes the closure of Onitsha markets due to drug-related offenses, arguing that it harms small businesses and stifles economic growth. He advocates for targeted prosecution of lawbreakers while protecting legitimate traders. Obi emphasizes the importance of small-scale businesses in Nigeria's economy and compares policies with Indonesia, where MSMEs receive support and lawbreakers face specific action. He highlights his past efforts to protect businesses as governor of Anambra and urges for transparency and fairness in market searches.
Peter Obi , the Labour Party 's presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has criticized the indiscriminate closure of markets in Onitsha, Anambra state, over drug-related offences. He views this action as an attack on small businesses and a hindrance to economic growth . Responding to mixed reactions to his earlier call for the immediate reopening of unaffected markets, Obi stressed that punishing legitimate traders for the crimes of a few constitutes poor governance.
'When individuals who lack experience in building or managing businesses hold positions of power, they implement actions that cripple legitimate enterprises and stifle economic progress. This is the path that has led to our continuous decline, where governance disregards the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians. The sooner we acknowledge the crucial role small-scale businesses play in our economy, the better for us as a developing nation,' he stated. Obi drew a comparison between Nigeria's policies and those of Indonesia, where MSMEs contribute to over 90% of employment and receive government support, while lawbreakers face targeted prosecution. Obi reminisced about his tenure as governor of Anambra, highlighting his efforts to safeguard small businesses. He secured special loans for MSMEs, established a Bank of Industry branch in Anambra, and resisted banning motorcycle riders despite security concerns. 'Today, entire markets are being shut down due to the actions of a few. You do not paralyze an Ogbo Ogwo market and surrounding markets for several days in the name of enforcement. This is not governance; it is economic sabotage. 'Small businesses must be protected—not destroyed—if we truly aspire to build a productive nation. I respectfully reiterate my appeal that businesses not involved in the sale of counterfeit drugs should not be shut down, considering the significant consequences of closing businesses that rely on daily profits for survival. 'A one-month closure will cripple many of them. We have witnessed similar situations in the past, where businesses reopened only to discover that goods with short shelf lives had expired, resulting in substantial losses. 'Furthermore, I recommend that shop owners be present during any searches conducted on their premises to ensure transparency and fairness,' he added.
Peter Obi Labour Party Nigeria Onitsha Markets Small Businesses Economic Growth Drug Offences Governance Msmes
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